The vigil, to mark the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the launch of a global 16 days of action, was held held jointly with organisations in Bristol who support women and girls affected by sexual and domestic abuse
A minute’s silence was observed to allow gatherers to pay their respects to those whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault.
Speakers included Councillor Emily Clarke, Survivor and activist Viv Gordon, and Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Clare Moody. Survivor poetry was performed by the women we support, and one of our service users, Laila, sang a powerful song about her experiences.
Survivors lit two large candles to symbolise the women and girls who have been killed by male violence.
On average, a woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner every five days in England and Wales, and three women take their own lives each week because of experiencing domestic violence.
One in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted as adults, and one in six children have been sexually abused.
News website Bristol247.com attended the vigil – you can read their report here
